The Ohio State Highway Patrol is looking for women and men who are ready to build tomorrow and make a difference in their communities.

Those interested must go through a selective process to become cadets with the Patrol, including a physical and written test, among other requirements.

If chosen, cadets will go through approximately six months of training at the Patrol’s Training Academy in Columbus, during which time they will be paid.

Cadets receive college-level instruction in Ohio laws, human relations, and crash investigation among other things. They also learn arrest techniques, self-defense, firearms, defensive driving, and many other topics.

“The training our cadets receive sets them up for a successful and rewarding career with the Patrol,” said Captain William N. Bowers, Findlay District commander.

“Those interested in a fulfilling profession with the Patrol should contact our District recruitment liaisons or your local post to learn about our many opportunities.”

Those interested must be 21 years of age at the time of graduation from the Academy and must enter the Academy prior to their 40th birthday.

“The Ohio State Highway Patrol employs highly-motivated and well-trained professionals who are committed to providing quality service to those who live, visit and do business in the great state of Ohio. Our core values serve as the foundation for all we do.”

Anyone interested in a career with the Patrol should contact the Findlay District recruitment team at 419-423-3444 or visit www.statepatrol.ohio.gov.

Findlay and Hancock County are included in a Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued by the National Weather Service.

The watch is in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday.

Forecasters say strong, damaging winds are the primary threat but a tornado or two cannot be ruled out.

The greatest severe threat is from 4 to 8 p.m.

The Findlay Police Department confirmed a body was discovered floating in a pond behind the Trenton Avenue Walmart in Findlay on Thursday afternoon.

Access to the pond is off Howard Street and the road was shut down while police investigated.

The Findlay Fire Department recovered the body from the water.

Lt. Hendren with the Findlay Police Department says the body is that of an adult white male and is under investigation.

The body was sent to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy and to determine cause of death.

A man who was fishing discovered the body and called 911.

In the video below WFIN News Director Matt Demczyk speaks with Lt. Hendren at the scene.

The Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force and Findlay Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT), along with Findlay Fire Department Tactical EMS executed a search warrant at 345 East Sandusky Street Apt. 3, in Findlay.

The task force said the search of the residence yielded methamphetamine, numerous prescription pills, marijuana and THC products along with a large amount of drug paraphernalia as well as other items indicative of drug trafficking.

The task force said the evidence substantiated the ongoing investigation into the residence for suspected drug possession and drug trafficking.

As a result of the search the following people were arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center:

Davina M. Martinez (age 45) and James K. Rhine (age 46).

They are facing charges of possession of methamphetamine and additional charges of drug trafficking and drug possession are expected at the conclusion of the investigation.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, is about to change benefit amounts that were put into place due to the COVID pandemic.

In March, benefits will return to pre-pandemic levels.

Since early 2020, anyone who was eligible was getting the maximum benefits allowed plus emergency allotment.

Randall Galbraith from Hancock County Job and Family Services told WTOL-11 that he’s concerned this may cause a spike in food insecurity.

The United Way of Hancock County says they’ve been planning for this change for months and have made sure local food pantries in the area are fully funded and stocked.

Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder goes on trial next week in a case that alleges a $60 million bribery scheme federal prosecutors call the largest corruption case in state history.

Jurors must decide whether the ousted Republican lawmaker and former Ohio Republican party chair Matt Borges are guilty of racketeering.

Prosecutors say Householder orchestrated and Borges assisted in a scheme secretly funded by an energy utility to secure Householder’s power, elect his allies, and then pass and defend a billion-dollar nuclear power plant bailout.

Both men pleaded not guilty and maintain their innocence.

Jury selection begins Friday. The trial could last six weeks.

The University of Findlay has announced their 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame class.

The 2023 class includes former women’s track and field standouts, Raven Clay (’12) and Stephanie Charnigo (’10), along with wrestling star, Michael Lybarger (’12).

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Feb. 25, 2023 at Winebrenner Theological Seminary.

The inductees will also be recognized during the Oilers men’s basketball game against Hillsdale College on Feb. 25. The game is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. in Niekamp Arena.

The National Weather Service says there is a risk of severe weather on Thursday.

Parts of the state are in the Slight Risk category while others are in the Enhanced Risk category. (map below)

Findlay and Hancock County were in the Slight Risk category.

The timeline for the severe threat is from  3 in the afternoon through the early evening.

Damaging wind gusts are the primary hazard but a brief tornado could also occur.

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

“Human trafficking persists as a silent epidemic throughout the country,” said Colonel Charles Jones with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Colonel Jones says the Highway Patrol has committed its full weight and resources to interdict human traffickers.

He says combatting human trafficking is a central tenet of what they’re doing to provide ‘service with a purpose’ to the citizens of Ohio.

The colonel says you can report human trafficking by calling 911 or 888-3737-888 or text HELP to 233733.

The Hancock Park District will be holding a Winter River Hike on Sunday, January 29^th.

“Hike along the potentially frozen Blanchard River from Centennial Park to the far overlook deck at Riverside Park and back,” the park district said.

“On our approximate 2-mile hike we will look for wildlife, talk about the history of ice harvesting along the river and talk about ice safety.”

The hike begins at Centennial Park at 2 p.m. All ages are welcome. The walk is free and registration is not required.

Centennial Park is located on Cross Avenue, east of Blanchard Street in Findlay.

For more information about other upcoming park programs and events, view the “Programs & Activities Calendar” at www.HancockParks.com or call the park office at 419-425-7275.